TUCSON, Ariz. – On Friday, Dec. 29, the New Mexico State football team made history in Arizona Stadium against Utah State. As head coach Doug Martin said, "It was poetic that Larry Rose scored that touchdown." That touchdown was the game-winner in overtime to take home the 2017 NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl over Utah State, 26-20, effectively ending the 57-year bowl drought for the Aggies.
The game opened up with early scores for both sides. NM State struck first on its opening drive when Dylan Brown split the uprights on a 23-yard field goal attempt.